20 Ways Going Green Will Save You Money

March 21, 2017Doug Murray

When you look at the price of some natural and organic products, it may seem that reducing your environmental footprint is an expensive act. However, it doesn’t have to be. In fact, if you do it right, going green can save you money. Lots of it. Here are some ways that will help you get started.

Green Living

20 Ways Going Green Will Save You Money

March 21, 2017 Doug Murray

When you look at the price of some natural and organic products, it may seem that reducing your environmental footprint is an expensive act. However, it doesn’t have to be. In fact, if you do it right, going green can save you money. Lots of it. Here are some ways that will help you get started.

1. Repurpose Old Clothes

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1. Repurpose Old Clothes

There are many imaginative ways in which you can repurpose old clothes. For example: turn an old T-shirt into a scarf or an old pair of pants into a bag. This will reduce waste and you’ll have that new-clothes feeling without having had to spend a cent.

1. Repurpose Old Clothes

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There are many imaginative ways in which you can repurpose old clothes. For example: turn an old T-shirt into a scarf or an old pair of pants into a bag. This will reduce waste and you’ll have that new-clothes feeling without having had to spend a cent.

2. Buy Used

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2. Buy Used

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Photo Credit: Jimmyjazz/Wikimedia Commons

Whether it’s a pre-owned car or a vintage dress, buying used items is usually cheaper than buying new and, if you choose wisely, they can last for many years. Also, it saves one more thing from the landfill, not to mention all the energy and other resources it takes to create new things.

2. Buy Used

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Whether it’s a pre-owned car or a vintage dress, buying used items is usually cheaper than buying new and, if you choose wisely, they can last for many years. Also, it saves one more thing from the landfill, not to mention all the energy and other resources it takes to create new things.

Photo Credit: Jimmyjazz/Wikimedia Commons

3. Buy Local

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3. Buy Local

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Buying locally produced goods is better for the environment because they don’t have to travel halfway around the world, creating extra carbon emissions. It’s cheaper too because producers don’t have to work huge transport costs and import taxes into the selling price.

3. Buy Local

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Buying locally produced goods is better for the environment because they don’t have to travel halfway around the world, creating extra carbon emissions. It’s cheaper too because producers don’t have to work huge transport costs and import taxes into the selling price.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

4. Buy Unprocessed Food

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4. Buy Unprocessed Food

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Processed food is not only less healthy but is also more expensive. In addition, it is usually wrapped in unnecessary packaging. Buy fresh, unprocessed food from your neighbourhood market and then cook in big batches so you can freeze leftovers for later use.

4. Buy Unprocessed Food

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Processed food is not only less healthy but is also more expensive. In addition, it is usually wrapped in unnecessary packaging. Buy fresh, unprocessed food from your neighbourhood market and then cook in big batches so you can freeze leftovers for later use.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

5. Grow Your Own

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5. Grow Your Own

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Start a small vegetable garden or plant vegetables in straw bales or planters on the balcony. By growing your own, you can reduce agricultural pollution and you’ll have fresh produce right on your doorstep.

5. Grow Your Own

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Start a small vegetable garden or plant vegetables in straw bales or planters on the balcony. By growing your own, you can reduce agricultural pollution and you’ll have fresh produce right on your doorstep.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

6. Use a Natural, Multipurpose Detergent

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6. Use a Natural, Multipurpose Detergent

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Photo Credit: Getty Images

Many detergents contain harsh chemicals that pollute water and soil. A natural, biodegradable multipurpose detergent is not only better for the environment but will save you money because you only need to buy one detergent for your dishes, laundry and household cleaning. Some multipurpose detergents are even gentle enough to use as shampoo and shower gel.

6. Use a Natural, Multipurpose Detergent

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Many detergents contain harsh chemicals that pollute water and soil. A natural, biodegradable multipurpose detergent is not only better for the environment but will save you money because you only need to buy one detergent for your dishes, laundry and household cleaning. Some multipurpose detergents are even gentle enough to use as shampoo and shower gel.

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7. Make Your Own Detergents

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7. Make Your Own Detergents

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Photo Credit: Getty Images

When you make your own detergents, you can control what goes into them. In addition, they cost only a fraction of what you’d pay for store-bought detergents. Even something as simple as a lemon or baking soda can be an effective detergent.

7. Make Your Own Detergents

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When you make your own detergents, you can control what goes into them. In addition, they cost only a fraction of what you’d pay for store-bought detergents. Even something as simple as a lemon or baking soda can be an effective detergent.

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8. Use Cold Water For Laundry

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8. Use Cold Water For Laundry

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By doing your laundry in cold water, you save energy. This translates into a lower hydro bill.

8. Use Cold Water For Laundry

By doing your laundry in cold water, you save energy. This translates into a lower hydro bill.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

9. Air-dry Your Laundry

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9. Air-dry Your Laundry

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Photo Credit: Getty Images

When the weather’s fine, skip the dryer and hang your laundry out to dry. This uses only the energy coming from Mother Nature already and the sun is a natural bleaching and sterilizing agent that won’t cost you a cent.

9. Air-dry Your Laundry

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When the weather’s fine, skip the dryer and hang your laundry out to dry. This uses only the energy coming from Mother Nature already and the sun is a natural bleaching and sterilizing agent that won’t cost you a cent.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

10. Install a Programmable Thermostat

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10. Install a Programmable Thermostat

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Photo Credit: Getty Images

<a href="http://www.hydroone.com/MyHome/SaveEnergy/Tips/Pages/WheretoStart.aspx" target="_blank">Hydro One</a> says that for every degree above 20 that you set the thermostat, your heating costs rise about 5%. A programmable thermostat allows you to adjust the temperature according to when you’re going to be home. Saving energy not only saves you money but also reduces your carbon footprint.

10. Install a Programmable Thermostat

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<a href="http://www.hydroone.com/MyHome/SaveEnergy/Tips/Pages/WheretoStart.aspx" target="_blank">Hydro One</a> says that for every degree above 20 that you set the thermostat, your heating costs rise about 5%. A programmable thermostat allows you to adjust the temperature according to when you’re going to be home. Saving energy not only saves you money but also reduces your carbon footprint.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

11. Caulking and Weather Stripping

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11. Caulking and Weather Stripping

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Photo Credit: Getty Images

If you can prevent heat from escaping from your home during cold weather, you’ll use less energy, which reduces your carbon footprint and saves money on your hydro bill. Use caulking and weather stripping to weatherproof your home.

11. Caulking and Weather Stripping

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If you can prevent heat from escaping from your home during cold weather, you’ll use less energy, which reduces your carbon footprint and saves money on your hydro bill. Use caulking and weather stripping to weatherproof your home.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

12. Let the Sun Shine In

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12. Let the Sun Shine In

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Photo Credit: Getty Images

During the day, open the curtains and blinds to let the sunshine in. This will heat up your home and let in natural light, which reduces the need for energy-guzzling heating systems and lamps. As <a href="https://www.bchydro.com/powersmart/residential/savings-and-rebates/everyday-electricity-saving-tips.html?WT.mc_id=rd_21tips" target="_blank">BC Hydro</a> says, just one south-facing window can illuminate between 20 and 100 times its area.

12. Let the Sun Shine In

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During the day, open the curtains and blinds to let the sunshine in. This will heat up your home and let in natural light, which reduces the need for energy-guzzling heating systems and lamps. As <a href="https://www.bchydro.com/powersmart/residential/savings-and-rebates/everyday-electricity-saving-tips.html?WT.mc_id=rd_21tips" target="_blank">BC Hydro</a> says, just one south-facing window can illuminate between 20 and 100 times its area.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

13. Plant Native Trees

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13. Plant Native Trees

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Photo Credit: Getty Images

Native trees are adapted to the local environment, normally using less water to grow. They provide shade that will keep your home cool in summer without you having to resort to air-conditioning, while helping to absorb harmful greenhouse gases. In addition, they provide a habitat for the local wildlife and, as the blog <a href="https://www.smallfootprintfamily.com/how-to-save-money-by-going-green" target="_blank">Small Footprint Family</a> points out, they can increase your property value.

13. Plant Native Trees

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Native trees are adapted to the local environment, normally using less water to grow. They provide shade that will keep your home cool in summer without you having to resort to air-conditioning, while helping to absorb harmful greenhouse gases. In addition, they provide a habitat for the local wildlife and, as the blog <a href="https://www.smallfootprintfamily.com/how-to-save-money-by-going-green" target="_blank">Small Footprint Family</a> points out, they can increase your property value.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

14. Drive Less

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14. Drive Less

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Photo Credit: Getty Images

Your car is a huge contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and also uses non-renewable fossil energy. Use your car less often by carpooling, using public transport or cycling or walking to work. This will save you gas and maintenance money and, if you bike or hike more often, you won’t need that expensive gym membership.

14. Drive Less

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Your car is a huge contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and also uses non-renewable fossil energy. Use your car less often by carpooling, using public transport or cycling or walking to work. This will save you gas and maintenance money and, if you bike or hike more often, you won’t need that expensive gym membership.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

15. Keep Your Tires Properly Inflated

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15. Keep Your Tires Properly Inflated

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Photo Credit: Christopher Ziemnowicz/Wikimedia Commons

According to <a href="http://www.sustainablebabysteps.com/inflating-tires.html" target="_blank">Sustainable Baby Steps</a>, under-inflated tires create drag between the tire and the road surface, decreasing your fuel economy by 10% and reducing the tires’ life by a year. By keeping tires properly inflated, you'll use less fuel and keep them out of the landfill for longer.

15. Keep Your Tires Properly Inflated

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According to <a href="http://www.sustainablebabysteps.com/inflating-tires.html" target="_blank">Sustainable Baby Steps</a>, under-inflated tires create drag between the tire and the road surface, decreasing your fuel economy by 10% and reducing the tires’ life by a year. By keeping tires properly inflated, you'll use less fuel and keep them out of the landfill for longer.

Photo Credit: Christopher Ziemnowicz/Wikimedia Commons

16. Learn Eco-friendly Driving Habits

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16. Learn Eco-friendly Driving Habits

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<a href="http://matteroftrust.org/13955/eco-friendly-driving-habits-save-fuel-and-help-the-environment" target="_blank">MatterofTrust.org</a> says that dangerous driving habits not only increases the risk of accidents but also reduces fuel efficiency. Safer driving habits such as sticking to the speed limit and slowing down as you approach a stop use less fuel, making them cheaper and more eco-friendly too.

16. Learn Eco-friendly Driving Habits

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<a href="http://matteroftrust.org/13955/eco-friendly-driving-habits-save-fuel-and-help-the-environment" target="_blank">MatterofTrust.org</a> says that dangerous driving habits not only increases the risk of accidents but also reduces fuel efficiency. Safer driving habits such as sticking to the speed limit and slowing down as you approach a stop use less fuel, making them cheaper and more eco-friendly too.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

17. Get Reusable Drink Containers

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17. Get Reusable Drink Containers

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Photo Credit: Getty Images

Those plastic bottles that your drinking water comes in and the Styrofoam or paper cups from your favourite coffee shop are major causes of environmental pollution. A reusable water bottle or travel mug will help reduce pollution and some franchises, such as <a href="https://www.timhortons.com/ca/en/corporate/faq.php" target="_blank">Tim Hortons</a>, give you a discount if you bring your own container.

17. Get Reusable Drink Containers

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Those plastic bottles that your drinking water comes in and the Styrofoam or paper cups from your favourite coffee shop are major causes of environmental pollution. A reusable water bottle or travel mug will help reduce pollution and some franchises, such as <a href="https://www.timhortons.com/ca/en/corporate/faq.php" target="_blank">Tim Hortons</a>, give you a discount if you bring your own container.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

18. Switch to Cloth

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18. Switch to Cloth

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Photo Credit: Getty Images

Paper towels and disposable diapers may be convenient but they just end up in landfills after you’ve used them. A disposable diaper can take 500 years to decompose. It’s greener and much cheaper to switch to reusable, washable cloth towels and diapers.

18. Switch to Cloth

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Paper towels and disposable diapers may be convenient but they just end up in landfills after you’ve used them. A disposable diaper can take 500 years to decompose. It’s greener and much cheaper to switch to reusable, washable cloth towels and diapers.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

19. Use a Menstrual Cup

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19. Use a Menstrual Cup

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Photo Credit: Getty Images

Even though Canada got rid of the so-called ‘tampon tax’ on feminine hygiene products, making them cheaper, the average woman uses 11,000 tampons in her lifetime, according to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2015/apr/27/disposable-tampons-arent-sustainable-but-do-women-want-to-talk-about-it" target="_blank">The Guardian</a>. Tampons and pads take hundreds of years to decompose and leach harmful chemicals into the soil but a reusable menstrual cup can last for several years.

19. Use a Menstrual Cup

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Even though Canada got rid of the so-called ‘tampon tax’ on feminine hygiene products, making them cheaper, the average woman uses 11,000 tampons in her lifetime, according to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2015/apr/27/disposable-tampons-arent-sustainable-but-do-women-want-to-talk-about-it" target="_blank">The Guardian</a>. Tampons and pads take hundreds of years to decompose and leach harmful chemicals into the soil but a reusable menstrual cup can last for several years.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

20. Go on a Spend Fast

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20. Go on a Spend Fast

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Photo Credit: Getty Images

Small Footprint Family suggests that you try a spend fast for a month, where you don’t buy anything unless you need it to survive. You’ll save money by not buying unnecessary things and you’ll become more mindful of just how much you consume.

20. Go on a Spend Fast

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Small Footprint Family suggests that you try a spend fast for a month, where you don’t buy anything unless you need it to survive. You’ll save money by not buying unnecessary things and you’ll become more mindful of just how much you consume.